Open Meats Contest: Sunday, November 3, 2024**

Open Sides Contest: Saturday, November 2, 2024

The Open Competition is open to ALL TEAMS! No invite required to join. The Open Competition during the World Series of Barbecue is the largest Contest in the world with 500+ teams competing each year! Any team/group that wants to participate in the World Series of Barbecue must compete in the Open Meats Contest.

Teams compete in Chicken, Pork Ribs, Pork and Beef Brisket. In order to be eligible for Grand Champion, Open teams must turn in for all four categories.

Important Dates:

July 28, 2024: Returning Teams from 2023 – First Right of Refusal Deadline for Space

September 2, 2024: Last day to cancel registration with a full refund (minus $5 convenience and processing fee)

Mid-late September: First version of the Team Map published (*PLEASE NOTE: Only teams who have paid in full will be assigned a spot on the map)

September 26, 2024: Late fee ($100) applied to new registrations (not edits or changes to existing registrations). Deadline to add/edit vehicle passes/parking passes, band catering passes and electrical (if available)

October 2, 202: Last day to cancel registration and receive entry fees associated with space, less a $150 cancellation fee, and a $5 non-refundable convenience and processing fee. Refunds for additional items are at the discretion of the American Royal team. After this date, there will be no refunds on space or any items purchased.

October 14, 2024: Deadline for registered teams to add/edit single tickets, team weekend wristbands, pre-ordered ice, trash, portas, hand washing stations, and Thursday night passes.